Cool Places

Monday, February 18, 2008

Okay, I found the rose story online. Get your tissues ready, I'm warning you --- it will make you cry. (At least if you're like me ~ a 40 year old, emotional, premenopausal gal!)I also want to clarify that I DID NOT write this. I also do not know if it is true or not, but I still love it. I heard this at my MOPS - (Mothers of Preschoolers) meeting last week. "Wait a minute," you say, "you don't have any preschoolers." Ah yes, that is true. I am the 'Mentor Mom' for our church sponsored group. I am supposed to be there to provide encouragement and wisdom for the young Moms. (Okay, you can stop laughing now.)Seriously though, it has been a great experience for me these past couple of years. I don't know that any of them have learned anything from me, but I've learned a lot from them.The story is long, but worth the time you'll spend reading it.

Roses For RoseRed roses were her favorites, her name was also Rose.And every year her husband sent them, tied with pretty bows.The year he died, the roses were delivered to her door.The card said, "Be my Valentine," like all the years before.

She thought - he ordered roses, in advance before this day.Her loving husband did not know that he would pass away.He always liked to do things early, way before the time.Then, if he got too busy, everything would work out fine.

She trimmed the stems, placed them in a very special vase.Then sat the vase beside the portrait of her smiling face.She sat for hours in her husband's favorite chair.Staring at his picture and the roses sitting there.

A year went by. It was hard to live without her mate.With the loneliness and solitude that had become her fate.Then, the very hour as on Valentine's before,The doorbell rang. There were roses, sitting by her door.

She brought the roses in, looked at them in shock.Then she got the telephone, to call the florist shop.The owner answered. She asked him to explain,Why would someone do this, causing her such pain?

"I know your husband passed away, more than a year ago,"The florist said, "I knew you'd call, and want to know."The flowers you received today, were paid for in advance.Your husband planned ahead, with nothing left to chance."

"He left a standing order. You'll get them every year.There's also another thing, that you should know.He wrote a special little card for you, he did this years ago.That's the card that has been sent, to your this following year."

She thanked him and hung up, her tears now flowing hard.Her fingers shook as she reached, so slowly for that card."My love," it said, "it's been a year since I've been gone,I hope it hasn't been too hard for you to overcome."

"I know it must be lonely, the pain is very real.If it was the other way, I know how I would feel.The love we shared made everything so beautiful in life.I loved you more than words can say, my perfect, perfect wife."

"You were my friend and lover, you fulfilled my every need.I know it's only been a year, but please try not to grieve.I want you to be happy, even when you shed your tears.That is why the roses will be sent to you for years."

"When you get these roses, think of the happinessthat we had, how both of us were blessed.I always loved you, I know I always will.But, my love, you must go on, you have some living still."

"Try to find happiness, while living out your days.I know it is not easy. I hope you find some ways.The roses will come every year. They will only stop,If your door does not open, when the florist comes to knock."

"He will come five times that day, in case you have gone out.But after his last visit, he will know without a doubt,to take the roses to the place, where I've instructed him.And place the roses where we are, together once again."

About Me

Remember that feeling you got when you were a kid as you chased after fireflies? Freedom, laughter, awe...those are just a few of emotions that come to mind. Then we grow up. Along comes the husband, the kids, the job, the home, the sports practices and games, the bills and the busy-ness. Somehow those simple feelings of happiness and joy become elusive. Strangely, I've discovered that as I chase after these feelings one surprising thing consistently brings me to them. Serving others. God tells us in his word...Love God, Love One Another. Those 5 words sum up the Bible beautifully. My hope is that this blog will be a place of inspiration. So I'd like to invite you to join me as we chase fireflies together.